“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.” Psalm 119:30
When nothing seems to go according to plan, it’s easy for me to give up hope. My first inclination is often to doubt God, to question His perfection, and to be overcome with worry and negativity.
In Psalm 119, David does the opposite. He writes how he earnestly seeks to obey God, that he delights in following God’s decrees and law. Even when his “soul is weary with sorrow” (Psalm 119:28), David’s response isn’t to run away from God; it’s to ask God to strengthen him according to God’s Word. It’s to ask for wisdom, for understanding. It’s to look to God for hope and comfort.
It’s clear that David is making a choice: in his darkest moments, he can either choose to be faithful and obey God, or choose to make his own way in the world.
“To the faithful, you show yourself faithful” (Psalm 18:25). A few months back, I taped this verse to my desk to remind myself of the promise of God’s faithfulness to me. It was in the middle of a time when I needed to choose to trust Him, when I needed to have faith in His good plan. And I have to say, God has fulfilled His promise! As I’ve shown my faithfulness to Him, He has revealed His faithfulness to me.
If you’re going through a difficult time right now, and even if everything inside you says, “Run!” ask God to use His Word to strengthen you. Ask Him for wisdom, for understanding, and for the courage to be faithful.
Dear God, thank You that You meet us where we’re at, and that You are always faithful. Forgive us for when we doubt Your love and Your faithfulness, and help us to turn to You in our darkest moments. May we be like David, and look to Your Word for strength, wisdom, and guidance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Action
Read Psalm 119. Count how many times David describes his obedience to God. How can you be obedient and faithful to God today?